Stent

Abstract

A stent comprising a stent body and a plurality of cells is disclosed. The stent body defines a length. Each cell includes two structural members extending in an undulating pattern. Each structural member includes a plurality of cell segments defining a plurality of nodes therebetween. At least one node includes a non-constant radius of curvature.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A stent comprising:
 a stent body defining a length and comprising a plurality of cells, 
 each cell comprising two structural members extending in an undulating pattern, and 
 each structural member comprising a plurality of cell segments defining a plurality of nodes therebetween, 
 wherein the plurality of nodes of at least one structural member of the two structural members includes a first node and a second node, 
 wherein a first inner edge of the first node defines a first radius of curvature that is non-constant and a second inner edge of the second node defines a second radius of curvature that is substantially constant, 
 wherein the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature, 
 wherein the first inner edge of the first node includes a first inner portion and a second inner portion, and wherein the first inner portion defines a third radius of curvature different than a fourth radius of curvature defined by the second portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first radius of curvature is between about 0.0050 inches and about 0.0150 inches. 
     
     
       3. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first radius of curvature is between about 0.0015 inches and about 0.0030 inches. 
     
     
       4. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the second radius of curvature is between about 0.0001 inches and about 0.0020 inches. 
     
     
       5. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the third radius of curvature is between about 0.0050 inches and about 0.0150 inches, and the fourth radius of curvature is between about 0.0015 inches and about 0.0030 inches.